Motorola moto g stylus 2026 arrives alongside moto pad 2026 Android tablet

Motorola is back with another stylus phone, but this time it is also doing something that might excite Android fans even more. You see, the company has introduced both the moto g stylus 2026 and the brand new moto pad 2026, expanding its lineup beyond phones and into tablets again.

For folks who enjoy writing, sketching, or jotting quick notes on their phone, the moto g stylus line has long been one of the few affordable devices offering a built in stylus. The moto g stylus 2026 continues that tradition while adding a few upgrades that make the pen feel more like an actual writing instrument.

The integrated active stylus now supports tilt and pressure detection in supported apps. That means broader shading, finer lines, and strokes that look closer to what you would expect from pen on paper. The stylus also supports shortcuts that make it more than just a drawing tool. Quick Clip lets you highlight text and instantly send it to the Notes app, while Drag and Drop allows images to be grabbed and dropped directly into notes. Motorola even added Hover to Magnify so users can preview small text simply by hovering the stylus above the screen.

Battery life for the stylus itself is fairly practical too. Motorola says it can last up to 100 hours on standby and nearly four hours of active writing, with a full recharge taking about 15 minutes.

The phone itself also gets some respectable hardware. The moto g stylus 2026 features a 6.7 inch Extreme AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Motorola says brightness can reach up to 5000 nits at peak levels, which should make outdoor viewing easier.

Camera hardware includes a 50MP main sensor using Sony’s LYTIA 700C, paired with optical image stabilization and all pixel technology for better low light performance. A 13MP ultrawide and macro camera sits alongside it, while the front camera jumps to 32MP for selfies and group shots. Video recording supports 4K across every lens.

Motorola is also leaning heavily into AI photography features. Tools like Photo Enhancement Engine, Super Zoom, Action Shot, and Signature Style automatically adjust color, brightness, and shutter speed depending on the scene. The company also integrates features like Sketch to Image and Handwriting Calculator inside the Notes app. The latter converts handwritten equations into instant solutions, which students might appreciate.

Powering the phone is a 5200mAh battery that Motorola says can deliver up to 44 hours of use. Charging options include 68W TurboPower wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

The device launches with Android 16 and includes Google’s Gemini assistant along with Motorola’s Hello UX customization layer. Smart Connect also allows users to mirror content or move files between a phone, PC, tablet, or TV.

But the bigger surprise from Motorola might actually be the moto pad 2026.

Android tablets have a reputation for being hit or miss. Some are excellent, but many feel underpowered or poorly optimized. Personally, I am extremely excited to see a new Android tablet launch that actually sounds like it should not suck.

The moto pad 2026 features an 11 inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which should make everything from studying to streaming feel smooth. Quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support aim to provide a richer audio experience whether using speakers or headphones.

Inside, the tablet runs on the MediaTek D6300 processor and supports 5G connectivity, meaning it can stay online even without WiFi. Smart Connect integration also allows the tablet to work alongside Motorola phones and PCs for file sharing and multitasking across devices.

A 7040mAh battery powers the tablet and Motorola claims up to 12 hours of streaming on a single charge. When it runs low, the device supports 20W charging.

Design wise, the moto pad features an all metal build with rounded edges and comes in a color Motorola calls Pantone Bronze Green.

The moto g stylus 2026 will be available in the United States starting April 16 for $499.99 unlocked through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Motorola’s own website, along with carrier options including Google Fi, AT&T, Cricket, and others.

The moto pad 2026 arrives a bit later on April 30 through T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, with a retail price of $249.99.

For Android fans who have been waiting for a fresh tablet option that does not feel like an afterthought, this one might actually be worth watching.

Avatar of Brian Fagioli
Written by

Brian Fagioli

Technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz

Brian Fagioli is a technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz. A former BetaNews writer, he has spent over a decade covering Linux, hardware, software, cybersecurity, and AI with a no nonsense approach for real nerds.

Leave a Comment